Retail Sector Adds 37,600 Jobs In December

January 07, 2019CrainMedia

The retail sector was strong throughout the holidays behind robust consumer spending. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported Friday the sector added 37,600 jobs in December compared to a year ago. The retail gains, which exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, came as the nation added 312,000 jobs overall, the Labor Department said.

“Today’s numbers indicate that labor demand remains strong and signal that the economy is more stable than what the financial markets suggest,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said in a news release. “The strong growth in employment confirms that the labor market is still expanding. And while the unemployment rate increased, it did so for the right reason — more individuals are seeking to enter the labor force since wages are growing and more attractive.” MORE